Anne Gleason / The Citizen

AUBURN -- It can be difficult for parents of young children to return to school in order to continue their education and better their job opportunities.

But the Child Care Council of the Finger Lakes, which provides child care and referral services for individuals in Cayuga and Seneca counties, is hoping a new scholarship opportunity will make continuing education more of a reality for those wanting to improve their outlook.

Cindy Smith, the council's executive director, said many times the difficulty in finding affordable child care, which is needed for a parent to be able to return to school, is an impediment to continuing education.

"Nine times out of 10, the parent will not go forward to better themselves," Smith said. "They would like to be able to get a better-paying job other than McDonalds or any minimum-wage job."

The scholarship will help cover the costs of child care for parents who attend school.

On Sunday, the Child Care Council held the first Spring for Children Auction and Brunch at the Holiday Inn to raise money for the new scholarship. The council is planning to make the auction an annual event.

For more on this story, read Monday's edition of The Citizen.